Operation Support Our Troops – America, with its home base in Naperville, will kick off ticket sales for its annual Rockin’ for the Troops summer concert beginning at 1PM Mon., April 29, at the Student Services Center of The College of DuPage. The Student Services Center is located at 425 Fawell Blvd. in Glen Ellyn.
The pre-Rockin’ concert event that also has become an annual tradition will include a performance by the Kimo Williams Band, an all-veterans group from musicians to sound mixers created by Kimo Williams, co-founder of the Lt. Dan Band. Kimo Williams Band is financially supported by the proceeds of Rockin’ For the Troops. Monday’s event is a time when OSOT-America members can purchase and pick up ticket packets to sell for the 8th annual Rockin’ for the Troops Concert is Sat., July 20 at Cantigny Park in Wheaton.
The Rockin’ concert is presented by the First Cavalry Association and sponsored by College of DuPage, Navistar and Midas.
“More than one thousand veterans turn to College of DuPage annually to achieve their educational goals,” said, College of DuPage Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Joe Moore “This is a testament to the College’s commitment to providing accessible, affordable educational opportunities, as well as a strong support system, to this group of students. Sponsoring an event like Rockin’ for the Troops is one more way for us to support our students.”
Rockin’ for the Troops is July 20
The 2013 concert on July 20 will feature Grammy Award, ACM, and CMA winner Ronnie Dunn (formerly of Brooks and Dunn) as the headlining act. This year’s lineup also includes The Voices, The Kimo Williams Band, and ARRA. Gates open at 12 PM on July 20 with main stage entertainment beginning at approximately 2:30PM. Details of the day and online tickets can be found at www.RockinForTheTroops.org. Tickets also will be available at participating Jewel Food stores beginning on May 3.
“At a time when only one percent of our population actually serves in the military, it is incumbent upon the other 99 percent to support them. OSOT- America makes it easy to do that through Rockin’ for the Troops and I am proud to again be a part of their efforts,” said John Schwan, President of the First Cavalry Association.
Each $25 concert ticket pays the shipping cost of one comfort package sent to a U.S. military service member serving in harm’s way, or contributes toward the funding of OSOT – America and other military support programs.
Several years ago the group first organized in 2003 to send comfort packages expanded its mission. Today OSOT-America embraces other programs such as Leap of Faith seminars for Families of the Fallen, which includes a tandem jump with Army Golden Knights; research and implementation of new treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury; grief support for Families of the Fallen; job-search assistance for veterans and more.
The Midas Touch
Chicagoland Midas shops serve as “Drop Zones” for Care Pack items that are sent to the troops serving in harm’s way, organizers said.
“Midas is a strong supporter of OSOT America and the troops they serve,” said Mike Gould, Executive Vice President & COO Midas Int. “We strongly believe in supporting our Armed Forces as well as the communities we serve.”
Local Midas dealers Jan and Hugh Boeset also pointed-out Chicagoland Midas locations are official Drop Zones.“We even have a promotion starting May 6 and running through June 2. If a customer brings in an item for the Care Packs, they can purchase a conventional oil change, tire rotation and courtesy check for only $19.99.”
For more information, visit MidasChicago.com.
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OSOT-America Supports Veterans & Families
OSOT – America serves as a conduit to bring service and support from the community to our service men and women as well as veterans. Support of returning veterans to the work force is a focal point as Operation Enduring Freedom winds down and more than 80,000 veterans enter the civilian work force in the next year. From resume help to interview preparation to job fairs, OSOT – America is working on finding ways to help veterans find employment after serving their country.
About OSOT America: The mission of OSOT America is to support the morale and well-being of American forces by providing comfort, resources and education to all involved both while deployed and the soldier’s return. As a volunteer-based non-profit organization, OSOT America provides the opportunity for community members to express their appreciation and also offer support for our troops. Engaged in the longest war of our country’s history, and with our servicemen and women completing multiple tours of duty, OSOT America is committed to showing them that “We Have NOT Forgotten.” Volunteer opportunities are available. Visit www.osotamerica.org for more information.
OSOT – America received the coveted four star rating from Charity Navigator, (www.charitynavigator.org). In a letter to OSOT – America, CN President, Ken Berger stated “Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that your organization adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way indicating Operation Support Our Troops – America outperforms most other charities in America. This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Operation Support Our Troops – America from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”
